In-Person Ceremony Information

Registration Timeline

Undergraduate Ceremonies

Please review the Registrar’s Office Graduation Process for detailed information on how to apply for graduation. This process does NOT automatically register you for the Commencement ceremony.

An email will be sent to your UMBC email with instructions on how to register for the commencement ceremony via the Marching Order website. This is where you will register for either the in-person ceremony of the virtual ceremony.

 

Graduate Ceremony

For Master’s students, please review the Graduate School Master’s Degree webpage for more information on how to register for graduation.

For Doctoral students, please review the Graduate School Doctoral Degree webpage for more information on how to register for graduation.

NOTE: This process does NOT automatically register you for the Commencement ceremony.

An email will be sent to your UMBC email with instructions on how to register for the commencement ceremony via the Marching Order website. This is where you will register for either the in-person ceremony of the virtual ceremony.

 

 

In-person Ceremony Location

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

Directions and Parking Information

  • Parking is free and available across campus.
  • Shuttles will be available to take guests to and from the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena from the following lots. (You can also find where the shuttle is using the shuttle tracker.)
  • Limited handicap parking spaces are available directly in front of the arena (permits required)

Arrival Information for Graduates

  • Graduates must arrive at 9 a.m. Graduates arriving late may not be able to join the procession of students and may not be seated with their major. You must be on time. 
  • Plan for heavy traffic on campus!
  • Follow posted signs to the graduate entrance. Graduates will enter using the lower level doors by the Auxiliary Gym entrance. This entrance is to your right when you are standing in front of the arena.
  • Late arriving graduates may not be seated with their major

You MUST bring:

  • GradPass printed from Marching Order (log into Marching Order using your student ID email to print your GradPass).
  • Regalia. It is best to be wearing it when you arrive as there is no robing area.
  • Masks are encouraged but not required.
  • Do not bring personal items into the arena with you. Once you cross the stage you may not return to your original seat and there is no secure area for you to leave your belongings.

Ceremony Logistics

  • Once you arrive, volunteers will direct you to the area in which you will line up. Lineup order is based upon your school and program.
  • When it is time to walk across the stage, volunteers will direct you. Make sure you have your GradPass out and ready to go before you leave your seat.
  • Photos will be taken before you cross the stage.
  • After you return to your seat, remain in your seat until the end of the ceremony and the procession of the Platform Party. All graduates will remain in their seats until the Platform Party has left

Guest Information

  • Doors for guests will open one hour before the ceremony start time.
  • For the undergraduate ceremonies, individuals over the age of one year must have a ticket to enter the building. Graduates must log into their Marching Order account to claim their tickets before Friday, December 20. Tickets are not required for the Graduate Ceremony.
  • Balloons, strollers, food, and drink are NOT permitted inside the arena.
  • Guests requiring accessible seating may visit the Accessible Seating table in the arena lobby. Volunteers will assist with finding acceptable seating.
  • Guests and graduates will need to leave the building immediately after the ceremony. Plan to meet one another outside on the arena plaza.
  • Parking is free and available across campus
  • There are limited handicap parking spaces directly in front of the arena, proper permits are required for these spaces

 

The ceremony will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. You can find the link to stream the ceremony the day of Commencement on our Homepage.

 

If you have questions, please email commencement@umbc.edu.